Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 25 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on his 74th birthday.

In a social media post on X, the Chief Minister wrote: 'An epitome of ideals, integrity, and restraint in Indian politics, a senior member of the BJP family, heartfelt birthday greetings to the Honorable Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh ji!'

He further added: 'Your public life of over five decades is a shining example of national policy, national security, and ethical politics. May the grace of Lord Shri Ram remain upon you. May you be blessed with excellent health and a long life.'

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also extended greetings, saying: 'Heartiest birthday greetings to our senior leader, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh ji! Wishing you a long life and good health!'

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised Singh’s leadership in his post on X: 'Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the esteemed Union Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh ji on his birthday. Your visionary leadership and steadfast resolve have provided new strength and confidence to India's defence system. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for your excellent health, illustrious success, and a blessed life.'

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed birthday wishes to Rajnath Singh and prayed for his long and healthy life.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his birthday message, commended Singh for his dedication and hard work in strengthening India’s military capabilities and advancing self-reliance in the defence sector.

Born on July 10, 1951, Rajnath Singh turned 74 this year. Before assuming charge as Union Defence Minister in 2019, he served as the Union Minister for Home Affairs in the first Modi cabinet. He has also held the position of BJP national president and played a pivotal role in the party’s victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

(ANI)